[SOLVED] PC won’t boot, think motherboard may be the issue ?

[ALazer27]

A few months back my PC had an issue where it would freeze and need to be rebooted if there was more than one ram stick installed. Now the pc is having an issue where it doesn’t boot at all, just a black screen and the fans spin super loud. I’ve noticed that if I swap the ram into the other slot, it boots to the windows logo then the screen goes black again and the fans start to spin really loud. Is it likely that I need to replace the motherboard? It seems to me that the RAM slots might be broken

 

[kurdtnz]

Please list your full system specs, cpu, gpu, motherboard etc.

 

[ALazer27]

Please list your full system specs, cpu, gpu, motherboard etc.

ASUS H81M-E
8GB HyperX Fury DDR3
Intel i3 4150
GTX 970
XFX XTR 550W PSU

 

[proobandaa90]

if your computer won't load your operating system or you are stuck at the BIOS screen. 1. It can be frustrating when your computer doesn't start properly. It can be frustrating to not know where to begin fixing a computer, whether you are putting together a build or if it suddenly stops working. If you are unable to access your operating system, this can make it even more difficult. This guide will show you how to fix a computer that is not turning on, but is showing the BIOS screen. We'll cover some common causes of this problem. If your computer doesn't turn on, that is, it does not respond to your power button. You can access the OS but still have problems. This is why you will need to troubleshoot your software. There are many resources available that can help you solve OS-related issues. Depending on your specific situation, it may make sense to jump directly to a section of this article. Continue reading if you have plugged in a USB peripheral like a keyboard, mouse or headset. You can start the "Updating your BIOS" section if you have recently added a storage device. The "BIOS Errors" section may be the best place to begin if your computer or TVs has not booted successfully. You can eliminate external factors before you change any settings. You should unplug all attached peripherals, except the power cable and the display cable that is connected to your monitor. A keyboard to navigate menus is also included. External hard drives and USB-powered mice, as well as other peripherals, can cause problems with power, driver conflicts or issues with boot order. This can prevent a system's ability to boot to the OS. Attach each peripheral individually to ensure your system boots to the OS. BIOS Error messages Once you have eliminated any external devices as the problem, it is time to check your BIOS for errors. BIOS boot error message. Often, the BIOS will notify you before you have access to the BIOS menu. You will get a different error message depending on which BIOS you are using and what the problem is. Here are some examples: CPU fan not detected – Fan or cooler issue. BOOT Device Error: An issue has occurred with one of the storage drives. If an error occurs and you are not able to determine the cause immediately, consult your motherboard documentation or go online for more information. This is a good way to identify the problem and take the necessary steps to fix it. After addressing all error messages and exploring the problem, if you still have trouble accessing your OS, it may be time to reset your BIOS back to its default state. Restoring the defaults Warning: Your BIOS controls the basic operation of your system. Be careful when making changes. 1. Access your BIOS Menu if it is not already. The process will vary from manufacturer to manufacturer. Usually, you need to press a key right after turning on your system. This is often the F2 key or DEL key. Most systems will display the correct key on screen immediately after you turn on your system. You will find the BIOS menu by tapping this key repeatedly every time you turn on your system. 2. 2.Reset to default settings. This will depend on your motherboard's manufacturer. It is usually located under the "Save and Exit” section of the menu. This will return your BIOS settings back to their defaults. This can help you to resolve issues that may have been caused by changing the configuration. Save the changes and then restart your computer to make them effective. You have selected the BIOS screen load optimized defaults option. Updating your BIOS. This is useful if you're building a new computer, especially if it has an older motherboard. The process may vary depending on which manufacturer you are using, so make sure to check the details. The correct procedure will likely be provided by your motherboard manufacturer in the manual or online. There are many manufacturers that have different processes. Some motherboards even come with self-upgrading features. If you have older motherboards and storage drives that are larger than the one you have, updating your firmware can fix problems. Storage Failure to load the OS on a storage drive can indicate a problem. There are several ways to diagnose storage problems. Let's start with the boot sequence. Boot priority (or the boot order) is the order your computer scans storage options to determine which ones to prioritize. This could be why the OS drive isn’t loading properly if it isn’t at the top of the boot order. These settings allow you to boot from an external or disc. This can be helpful for things like the BIOS upgrade mentioned above. If the boot priority is wrong or your system doesn't detect the primary storage device, this can cause problems. 1. External storage should be removed. Reboot your system to determine the boot order. 2. Navigate to Boot in the BIOS. Although the name may be slightly different, you are looking for the storage section, most likely the Boot Priority menu or Boot Order menu. BIOS boot priority screen How to determine the correct Boot Drive. Your OS should be installed on the primary drive. You can look at the drive and see the brand and capacity. This information is also available in the BIOS. If you're not sure which drive has the OS, turn off all other drives in the BIOS and wait to see if it boots. Continue the elimination process until you find the right drive. Then you can go into BIOS to re-enable other storage drives. Make sure that the drive with the OS is at the top priority. 4. Save any changes. Save changes once you have prioritized the boot order. BIOS may not detect your drive, which means that the boot order menu does not show the disk with operating system. This could indicate that there is an issue with the drive or the way it is configured. Click here to learn more about PCIe, UEFI and Storage Hardware Problems. If your system is unable to boot from the hard drive after a successful boot, it could indicate that the BIOS has not detected the storage drive. You will need to open your system in order to diagnose the problem. Be sure to disconnect your power cable before you do this. Also, you should know how to open the case safely. If you have any concerns, please contact the manufacturer. After your system has been opened, make sure that all cables are securely connected to the storage drive. Make sure your M.2 drive is correctly seated in its slot on the motherboard if you are using it. If all is well, you might need to take out your storage unit and test it with another device that works. It would be great if you could install the drive in another functional system to test it. There are USB adapters available that will let you plug the drive into another USB port to verify that it is being detected. This will let you check if another OS can detect the drive and allow you to run diagnostic checks with tools such as Windows Disk Utility to determine its status. The drive could be dead if it isn't being detected on another system. It's time to look for a replacement if the drive stops working. CMOS Although it is not common, CMOS can sometimes prevent your system's proper starting. The CMOS (complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor) battery on your motherboard is a battery-powered chip that stores essential system information like basic hardware settings and the date. A constantly resetting clock or a BIOS error message involving CMOS are signs of a failing CMOS. These batteries can last for around 10 years under normal usage conditions. However, this can vary. Double-checking that the battery is working properly is worth it if you have an older motherboard. These are usually fairly inexpensive and easy to replace. 1. Locate the battery. Locate the CMOS (a flat, silver-colored, coin-shaped, battery) on your motherboard. You can consult the documentation on your motherboard if you need help. 2. Reinstall the battery. Pull the battery apart before trying to replace it. It should not be difficult to remove the battery. You may need to remove the clip or latch that holds it in place. These can usually be removed with a screwdriver or by hand. 3. 3.Remove and replace the CMOS batteries. If the problem persists, you can try replacing it. A CR2032 is the most common CMOS-type battery. However, it's important to take down all details of the battery before you attempt to replace it. 4. Restart your computer. Once you have successfully replaced or reseated the battery, reboot your system and then enter the BIOS. Next, you will need to reset your date/time settings, save, then exit. Hardware Other than storage, it is possible that hardware may be causing the failure to boot. This is especially true if an error message appears. If nothing else is working, it's worth checking your cables and making sure all your hardware is correctly seated. This guide will show you how to test each piece of your hardware and determine if it solves your problem. Further Testing: If you have tried all the recommendations above and still get stuck at the BIOS screen, it might be worth testing your current hardware configuration using a new motherboard. Although this requires you to reinstall your CPU and cooler, as well as reattach all components, it will resolve the problem. If you have the option of replacing hardware, it is a good idea. This can also be useful if your BIOS has pointed you in the right direction. While most PC problems can be resolved, it may be worth upgrading to an older system. Although computer hardware can last a lifetime if it is well maintained, the best user experience requires that even the most reliable components be upgraded as technology advances.